Business Buzz, April 28, 2013

The Northeastern Pennsylvania Alliance has announced the waiver of fees for the 10 state and federal loan programs it administers to help businesses retain or expand employment, meet market opportunities and attract additional investment.

Partnership formed: As part of one of three class projects of the Leadership Pocono class of 2013, it partnered with Monroe County Meals on Wheels. A team of six participants from Leadership Pocono is working with the organization to develop a marketing plan to recruit additional volunteers to assist in making meal deliveries throughout Monroe County. Leadership Pocono seeks to enhance Meals on Wheels volunteer partnerships with area employers, broaden its messaging to the greater Pocono community and communicate the value of its services in ensuring that "no senior goes hungry."

Program open to applicants: Applications are now available for the Leadership Lackawanna class of 2014. This 10-month program fosters the development of community leaders, provides an enhanced understanding of the issues and topics relevant to the Scranton area and encourages community service and philanthropy. Seven different scholarships are available to qualified candidates who cannot afford the $1,295 tuition. The program is open to candidates who either live or work in Lackawanna County. Deadline to apply is Tuesday. Applications are available at leadershiplacka wanna.com or by contacting Leadership Lackawanna administrator Nicole A. Barber at 342-7711.

University impact information available: A new report highlighting the ways the University of Scranton engaged and impacted the community in the 2011-12 academic year is available at scranton.edu/economic-impact.

College named by Princeton Review: For the fourth consecutive year, Keystone College has been named one of the most environmentally responsible institutions of higher learning in the nation by the Princeton Review.

Bank celebrates: Fidelity Bank will celebrate Community Banking Month by supporting many organizations that serve the local community. From now until the end of May, Fidelity Bank offices will be collecting donations to benefit several nonprofit organizations, including Women's Resource Center of Scranton, Griffin Pond Animal Shelter, Dalton Food Pantry, St. Joseph's Center, Marley's Mission, Catholic Social Services, Greater Pittston YMCA, Blankets for Vets, Making a Difference Ministries, Eynon/Archbald Lions Club and the Original Blacksheep. For details, bankatfidelity.com.

Credit union hosts class: Freedom Credit Union hosted students from the Wee R The World Early Learning Center in Willow Grove. Employees gave the students a tour of the branch and taught them about credit unions and saving money.

Council reauthorized: The Pocono Northeast Resource Conservation & Development Council announced that the council has been reauthorized by the National Association of Resource Conservation & Development Councils to the national Circle of Diamonds program.

NEPIRC recognized: The state Senate recognized the accomplishments of NEPIRC and its Industrial Resource Center Network partners in a formal resolution declaring March 13 Pennsylvania Industrial Resource Center Day across the state. State Resolution 54 was introduced after consideration of the 25 years that NEPIRC and its statewide affiliates have invested in providing regional manufacturers with services designed to enhance their competitiveness, strengthen their long-term viability and accelerate their adoption of new technologies and innovations.

Companies join: Ace Stonier of Tunkhannock has recently joined the Ace-Robbins Family. Ace Stonier Appliance Center will continue to sell and service Whirlpool and Whirlpool Brands.

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